The hearing comes after Sen. John Barrasso
(R-Wyoming), the chairman of the committee, expressed strong support for funding increases to programs that enhance self-determination, economic development, education, health care, housing and public safety.

"The U.S. Constitution recognizes that the United States and tribes have a
special relationship, described by many as a trust responsibility between the trustee
and the beneficiary," Barrasso wrote in a letter to the Senate Budget Committee.
"This trust responsibility stems from tribes ceding hundreds of millions of acres of their homelands to the United States in exchange for promises to maintain public safety, protect tribal sovereignty, and provide a variety ofprograms and services to Indian people, including education, housing and health care."

The hearing takes place at 2:15pm in Room 628 of the Senate Dirksen Office Building
The witness list follows: